Our website stores and uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website, you consent to the terms. To disable cookies, go to your browser’s settings. Additional information is available in our privacy policy.

Over 50? How Exercise Can Add Quality Years to Your Life

Let’s be honest, starting a new fitness routine at any age can be intimidating. But because Orangetheory was created with all ages and fitness levels in mind, rest assured it’s never too late to reap those anti-aging benefits from this science-backed workout.

Maybe they’re not seeing anyone who looks like them when they take a class.

Regardless of the reason, consider this: Had Ellen Latham put away her workout gear when she turned 50, almost a million people wouldn’t be as fit as they are today.

That’s because Ellen, the founder of Orangetheory Fitness (whose membership is inching toward the 7-figure mark), started the company when she was in her early 50s. Now she’s in her 60s and continues to participate in classes three times a week and works directly with the fitness team designing every workout.

Take for example functional strength, like the use of free weights. That translates to carrying groceries or grandkids. The treadmill was incorporated to build endurance, and the often-derided rowing machines are all about building core strength. Every exercise comes with options that allow members to adapt it to their abilities.

Other reasons abound why exercise is an integral part of healthy aging, including these from the American Heart Association:

Helps prevent bone loss.

Helps lower blood pressure.

Reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer.

Increases muscle strength, balance, confidence.

Study after study, as well as thousands of letters from grateful Orangetheory Baby Boomers, support Ellen’s mission of exercise for everyone. What’s not to like about something that is scientifically proven to improve your flexibility, your outlook, your strength, your life?

“As someone in her 60s seeing and hearing from many members in their 50s and 60s, I am excited about the anti-aging effects of this science,” Ellen said.

In Phoenix, Orangetheory coach Holly Holland just turned 50 herself. What tends to keep her contemporaries from taking classes, she said, is fear.

“They’re intimidated; afraid they’ll stand out like a sore thumb if they don’t do something right,” she said.

“The thing is, there is no wrong. It’s not too late to start because we are at all levels. If I could get one message out, it would be that anybody can do this. We make it work. You have a room full of people supporting you.”

U.S. Air Force veteran Leslie Bryant initially went to Orangetheory when her psychologist suggested it for depression. The classes have worked for that, as well as boosting her confidence and raising her fitness level.

“The coaches really work with you,” said the 58-year-old member of Orangetheory Houston. “I have two bad knees and two herniated discs so I’m considered 40 percent disabled and they modify all of my workouts so I don’t injure myself.”

Grant Johnson, a 60-year-old member in Mission Viejo, California, likes that Orangetheory gives him extra stamina for playing tennis.

“Look,” he said, “you can get in shape at age 15, 50, 75. I've never been out of shape, but because of Orangetheory, I’m quicker. I can generate more power when I play.”

Then there’s Mike Chaplick, a Glendale-Thunderbird in Phoenix member who was born in 1940 (you do the math). When he first started Orangetheory a month ago (with the encouragement of his granddaughter), his treadmill pace was 1.6 miles an hour. He’s sped up to 2.3 and, Holly said, “He’s not even holding onto the bar.”

He also participated in the studio’s quarterly “Orange Everest,” in which the treadmill incline is increased by one percent every minute till it reaches 15, then decreases one percent till it’s back to one.

While the number of over-50 members grows, so does the number of coaches in that category. As she neared her own birthday, Holly started checking to see how many others there were in the network. At last count, she had found 60.

“We had no idea there were so many of us,” she said.

That’s encouraging to Ellen.

“Coaches over 50 bring life experience and maturity,” she said. “They also are fit examples of what is possible at any age.”

Jeri McCormick, a coach at Birmingham Studio in Michigan, turns 54 on October 7.

“While looking good always motivates people, how you feel and the quality of your life is what makes fitness even more important as we age,” she said. “The more you move, the more energy you have to move.”

And for members of all ages, Holly offered this reminder: “It’s never too late to start. Your future self will thank you.”

About the Author

Leslie Barker has written about and lived her passion – health and fitness – for decades, most recently as senior writer for The Dallas Morning News. Her essays, tips and ways to find joy in even the simplest of circumstances have inspired couch potatoes to start moving as well as more experienced exercisers to keep moving.

Congrats, You Took the First Step.

We’ve received your information and will be in touch soon. You’re officially on the way to a healthier, happier, more confident you

Something Went Wrong

An error occurred and your request couldn't be completed. Please try again later or contact your studio.

All rights reserved. First-time visitors and local residents only aged 18 years and older, however, minors aged 14 and above may participate if minor special conditions are met. Conditions apply, see studios for details. RRP of a casual visit is $35, however, prices vary as each studio is individually owned and operated. At participating studios only. Offer subject to satisfactory completion of pre-exercise screening and to standard temporary/guest membership terms.